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Reducing Waste Sent to Landfill
Materials that are eventually sent to landfill have negative environmental impacts at every stage
of their life cycle. To get a better idea of a product’s total environmental impact, it is helpful to
consider the energy and resources used to produce the goods and packaging that are eventually
sent to landfill; the CO2 emissions due to transportation at every stage of manufacturing, sales,
and disposal; and the loss of natural environments (such as forests and clean drinking water)
that support this waste production system.
Additionally, once the materials reach the landfill, the environmental impacts increase as
contaminants and greenhouse gas emissions which are caused from the breakdown of organic
materials leach into the air, soil, and water tables. Therefore it is essential to reduce the amount
of materials sent to landfills.
Your business can reduce the amount of materials sent to
landfill by: Did you know?
1) Reducing the amount of materials consumed Food waste sent to landfill leads
(including packaging) to the generation of methane,
which is a greenhouse gas that
2) Thinking of innovative ways to reuse materials has a global warming potential
3) Recycling materials and composting organic food 21 times greater than carbon
waste dioxide
Waste management tips tourism businesses
Sector Waste management measures
Accommodation No cost measures:
and Hospitality • Bulk purchasing of cleaning chemicals (instead of single use)
• Reduction of purchases with excessive packaging
• Returning boxes, crates, bottles and containers to suppliers
• Inform suppliers of environmental policy or choose suppliers with a
strong environmental policy already in place
• Purchase local and fresh products
• Use worn towels and linen as cleaning rags
• Provide customers with adequate possibilities for waste disposal that is
well signed
• Set up awareness program for staff and guests to improve effectiveness
of waste minimisation strategies
• Print double-sided
• Use scrap paper for notes
• Use refillable pens, toner cartridges and re-inkable ribbons in the office
• Minimise use of plastic bags – ask customers if they need a plastic bag
Low cost measures:
• Replace paper napkins and other disposable material with napkins that
will last a long time
• Use reusable containers to store food instead of plastic film in kitchen
• Use refillable amenity dispensers in guest bathrooms
• Develop a comprehensive garbage separation system and support
efficient garbage separation within the community
• Provide a cloth bag alternative to plastic bags
• Introduce composting, worm- framing, or raise chickens where
appropriate
Compost Non- compost
- tea leaves and bags - meat and bones
- coffee grounds - oil and grease
- over- ripe vegetables / fruit, - plastic, rubber, glass,
food scraps and peelings styrofoam
Reducing Waste Sent to Landfill
Sector Waste management measures
- grass, leaves and tree - cigarette butts
trimming
Retail No cost measures:
• Bulk purchasing of cleaning chemicals (instead of single use)
• Reduction of purchases with excessive packaging
• Returning boxes, crates, bottles and containers to suppliers
• Inform suppliers of environmental policy or choose suppliers with a
strong environmental policy already in place
• Purchase local and fresh products
• Use worn towels and linen as cleaning rags
• Provide customers with adequate possibilities for waste disposal that is
well signed
• Set up awareness program for staff and guests to improve effectiveness
of waste minimisation strategies
• Print double-sided
• Use scrap paper for notes
• Use refillable pens, toner cartridges and re-inkable ribbons in the office
• Minimise use of plastic bags – ask customers if they need a plastic bag
Low cost measures:
• Develop a comprehensive garbage separation system and support
efficient garbage separation within the community
• Provide a cloth bag as an alternative to plastic bags
Transport No cost measures:
• Bulk purchasing of cleaning chemicals (instead of single use)
• Reduction of purchases with excessive packaging
• Returning boxes, crates, bottles and containers to suppliers
• Inform suppliers of environmental policy or choose suppliers with a
strong environmental policy already in place
• Purchase local and fresh products
• Use worn towels and linen as cleaning rags
• Provide customers with adequate possibilities for waste disposal on tours
• Set up awareness program for staff and guests to improve effectiveness
of waste minimisation strategies
• Print double-sided
• Use scrap paper for notes
• Use refillable pens, toner cartridges and re-inkable ribbons in the office
• Minimise use of plastic bags – ask customers if they need a plastic bag
and offer an alternative cloth bag to use instead
Low cost measures:
• Develop a comprehensive garbage separation system (also in vehicles)
and support efficient garbage separation within the community
Tours No cost measures:
• Bulk purchasing of cleaning chemicals (instead of single use)
• Reduction of purchases with excessive packaging
• Returning boxes, crates, bottles and containers to suppliers
• Inform suppliers of environmental policy or choose suppliers with a
strong environmental policy already in place
• Purchase local and fresh products
• Use worn towels and linen as cleaning rags
• Provide customers with adequate possibilities for waste disposal on tours
• Set up awareness program for staff and guests to improve effectiveness
of waste minimisation strategies
• Print double-sided
• Use scrap paper for notes
• Use refillable pens, toner cartridges and re-inkable ribbons in the office
Reducing Waste Sent to Landfill
Sector Waste management measures
Low cost measures:
• Use reusable containers to store food instead of plastic film to take out
on tours
• Develop a comprehensive garbage separation system and support
efficient garbage separation within the community
Attractions No cost measures:
• Bulk purchasing of cleaning chemicals (instead of single use)
• Reduction of purchases with excessive packaging
• Returning boxes, crates, bottles and containers to suppliers
• Inform suppliers of environmental policy or choose suppliers with a
strong environmental policy already in place
• Purchase local and fresh products
• Use worn towels and linen as cleaning rags
• Provide customers with adequate possibilities for waste disposal that is
well signed
• Set up awareness program for staff and guests to improve effectiveness
of waste minimisation strategies
• Print double-sided
• Use scrap paper for notes
• Use refillable pens, toner cartridges and re-inkable ribbons
• Minimise use of plastic bags – ask customers if they need a plastic bag
and offer an alternative cloth bag to use instead
Low cost measures:
• Use reusable containers to store food instead of plastic film in kitchen
• Develop a comprehensive garbage separation system and support
efficient garbage separation within the community
• Introduce composting, worm- framing, or raise chickens where
appropriate
Compost Non- compost
- tea leaves and bags - meat and bones
- coffee grounds - oil and grease
- over- ripe vegetables / fruit, - plastic, rubber, glass,
food scraps and peelings styrofoam
- grass, leaves and tree - cigarette butts
trimming
Source: QTIC
Reducing Waste Sent to Landfill
Useful links
Business guide to waste reduction and recycling:
A readable manual developed by the Xerox Corporation to lead you though the design and
implementation of waste reduction, reuse and recycling procedures and techniques.
http://www.greenbiz.com/toolbox/reports_third.cfm?LinkAdvID=7319
Electronics recycling
Electronics Recycling offers recycling/reuse information representing all industry work groups and
guidance to households and organisations for promoting recycling and reuse efforts.
http://www.electronicsrecycling.org
Envirowise – Practical Environmental Advice for Business
Envirowise is a Government programme offering free, independent practical advice to businesses
to help reduce waste at source and increase profits. The services and advice they are offer are
expert and it is all free.
http://www.envirowise.gov.uk
Healthy Habitats (Australia)
Provides access to a range of eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products and ideas.
http://www.healthyhabitat.com.au
Ecocycle Victoria (Australia)
EcoRecycle Victoria is a state government agency providing information & advice to business,
government and community on waste reduction and recycling.
http://www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au
Global Recycling Network
Global Recycling Network is an electronic information exchange that specialises in the trade of
recyclables as well as the marketing of eco-friendly products.
http://www.grn.com
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
The site provides information on what you will need to get your own worm composting system
operating effectively.
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/worms/wormlist.htm
Recycling Facts Sheets
Good fact sheets on recycling.
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/recycling
Recycling Operators of New Zealand Inc (NZ)
An organisation that represents service providers, operators and educators in the recycling
industry. Members include a range of businesses, organisations, local and regional councils,
educators and individuals working towards a sustainable, resource efficient New Zealand.
http://www.ronz.org.nz
Saving Paper and Packaging Waste (UK)
Provides a guide to saving and recycling wastepaper and packaging.
http://www.the-environment-council.org.uk/waste-prevention-policy.html
The Story of Stuff
A 20-minute animation dealing with the lifecycle of products. This video is highly recommended.
www.storyofstuff.com
Reducing Waste Sent to Landfill
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